How to strengthen my application to CRNA school?

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Specializes in Trauma / Cardiothoracic ICU RN.

(TL;Dr) low GPAc, >5 years experience with leadership. What to prioritize to strengthen my application for 2027 cycle? GRE, shadowing, more certs, taking courses? Also may take cardiac device job after work hiatus? 

Hi guys!! Having a difficult time choosing what to focus on to strengthen my application for the 2027 cycle. Considering taking the GRE, shadowing a ton next year,  possibly knocking out CSC or TCRN, taking additional undergraduate/grad courses like stats and chem?? Not sure what to prioritize honestly. 

Also, full disclosure my last ICU job was Sep 2024. I've been staying at home with my baby. My husband is active duty mil and has decent odds of getting medically separated... so I'm in sorts preparing to finally fulfill my dream. In a similar vein, I got offered a per diem device rep job (not sales... education/consulting) for a ventricular device which means lots of OR + ICU time. I know it's not bedside, but the hours are more flexible than PRN bedside gig and the pay can actually help with childcare. Considering that the nanny's here ask for the same hourly rate as base RN pay...... LOL.

Please help.. any tips, recommendations, comments are all appreciated. Not sure if I even have a shot quite frankly. I just want to convey that I know my *** and please just give me a chance. TIA guys

GPAc 3.21, Science (+math) GPA 3.4, Nursing core GPA 3.58, Last 60 GPA 3.54

Experience: (>5 years) 1.5 yrs MICU + Neuro Trauma ICU (level 1), 2 yrs Trauma ICU (level 1), 1.5 yrs CTICU at Mayo, 4 mon Shock Trauma ICU (level 1, travel), 4 mon Community ICU (travel)

Competencies: CardioHelp/Centrimag ECMO Perfusionist,  ECLS, CRRT, VADs, IABP, Impellas, Open Heart Surgery Recovery, Heart/Lung Transplant Recovery

Certs: BLS ACLS PALS CCRN TNCC 

Leadership: Nursing Critical Care Council Chair, Consistent Preceptor on each unit, Unit Council Co-chair, Delirium Committee Chair, Student Nursing Council

Volunteer: New Grad Critical Care & ED Fellowship Instructor, New Grad Nurse Council Peer Facilitator

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Check out these allnurses threads:

SRNA and/or CRNA - Information for Future School Applicants

Chances of getting into CRNA school if undergraduate school wasn't great?

https://allnurses.com/how-strengthen-application-CRNA-school-t769866/

MemberCRNA School Prep Academy offers great advice --check their posts.

 

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Specializes in Trauma / Cardiothoracic ICU RN.
NRSKarenRN said:

Check out these allnurses threads:

SRNA and/or CRNA - Information for Future School Applicants

Chances of getting into CRNA school if undergraduate school wasn't great?

https://allnurses.com/how-strengthen-application-CRNA-school-t769866/

MemberCRNA School Prep Academy offers great advice --check their posts.

 

Thank you, I appreciate the information!!

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Wow, thank you for the information. I know that CRNA school is extremely competitive and for some reason I had it in my head that I only needed a single year of ICU experience to add on my resume, so I am happy I saw this so I can start getting ahead of the game now!!

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthesia.

Hey there!

Those threads listed above are definitely good places of information.

Personally, I think you check a lot of boxes for a competitive application

Two things I'd suggest

- Carefully look at school requirements for the programs you want. Some require a GRE if your GPA is 3.4 or less (something along those lines). 

- Some programs want you to either apply while currently in the ICU or within a certain time frame, typically within the last 2 years

I'd keep an eye on those two things, but otherwise I think you are in solid position. 

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions 

 

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